What does God’s Word say about the baptism of the Holy Ghost and spiritual
gifts? Are they for today?God gave
Jesus power. As it is written, HOW GOD ANOINTED JESUS OF NAZARETH WITH THE HOLY
GHOST AND WITH POWER: WHO WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD, AND HEALING ALL THAT WERE OPPRESSED
OF THE DEVIL; FOR GOD WAS WITH HIM-Acts 10:38. Jesus was anointed by God. He
spake boldly with all wisdom and power. It is written, AND THEY WERE ASTONISHED
AT HIS DOCTRINE: FOR HIS WORD WAS WITH POWER-Lk 4:32. AND THEY WERE ALL AMAZED,
AND SPAKE AMONG THEMSELVES, SAYING, WHAT A WORD IS THIS! FOR WITH AUTHORITY
AND POWER HE COMMANDETH...-Lk 4:36. ...THE POWER OF THE LORD WAS PRESENT TO
HEAL THEM-Lk 5:17. FOR OUR GOSPEL CAME NOT UNTO YOU IN WORD ONLY, BUT ALSO IN
POWER...-1 Thes 1:5.Jesus gave power to His disciples.
AND WHEN HE HAD CALLED UNTO HIM HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES, HE GAVE THEM POWER AGAINST
UNCLEAN SPIRITS, TO CAST THEM OUT, AND TO HEAL ALL MANNER OF SICKNESS AND ALL
MANNER OF DISEASE-Mt 10:1. AND HE ORDAINED TWELVE...THAT HE MIGHT SEND THEM
FORTH TO PREACH, AND TO HAVE POWER TO HEAL SICKNESSES, AND TO CAST OUT DEVILS-Mk
3:14,15. AND HE...BEGAN TO SEND THEM FORTH BY TWO AND TWO; AND GAVE THEM POWER
OVER UNCLEAN SPIRITS-Mk 6:7. Jesus told them to HEAL THE SICK, CLEANSE THE LEPERS,
RAISE THE DEAD, CAST OUT DEVILS: FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE-Mt 10:8.
He also...GAVE THEM POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER ALL DEVILS, AND TO CURE DISEASES-Lk
9:1. Jesus told His disciples, AND INTO WHATSOEVER HOUSE YE ENTER, FIRST SAY,
PEACE BE TO THIS HOUSE. AND HEAL THE SICK THAT ARE THEREIN, AND SAY UNTO THEM,
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS COME NIGH UNTO YOU-Lk 10:5,9.After Jesus had risen from
the dead, He told His followers, ALL POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME IN HEAVEN AND IN
EARTH-Mt 28:18. ...BUT WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER...FOR JOHN TRULY BAPTIZED
WITH WATER; BUT YE SHALL BE BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY GHOST NOT MANY DAYS HENCE.
BUT YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER, AFTER THAT THE HOLY GHOST IS COME UPON YOU...-Acts
1:4,5,8. AND THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE; IN MY NAME SHALL THEY
CAST OUT DEVILS; THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES; THEY SHALL TAKE UP SERPENTS;
AND IF THEY DRINK ANY DEADLY THING, IT SHALL NOT HURT THEM; THEY SHALL LAY HANDS
ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER-Mk 16:17,18.

2-WHY
ARE THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS GIVEN?

The
purpose for these gifts is witnessing. God’s Word tells us in Acts 1:8-BUT YE
SHALL RECEIVE POWER...AND YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME. We receive this
power to witness, to glorify God, to edify the church, and to save souls. As
it is written, GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS...-Mt 28:19. ...GO YE
INTO ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE-Mk 16:15. The Lord
tells us, AND THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED IN HIS
NAME AMONG ALL NATIONS, BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM. AND YE ARE WITNESSES OF THESE
THINGS. In the very next verse Jesus tells us, AND, BEHOLD, I SEND THE PROMISE
OF MY FATHER UPON YOU: BUT TARRY YE IN THE CITY OF JERUSALEM, UNTIL YE BE ENDUED
WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH-Lk 24:47-49. Over and over we see the words "power"and"witness." Wait for the power, then go and
witness. The power was to enable them to speak with boldness and to do signs
and miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead. These would confirm
the Word-ref Mk 16:20. Again, in Acts 1:4-Jesus told His disciples...THAT THEY
SHOULD NOT DEPART FROM JERUSALEM, BUT WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER.

It
is written, AND WHEN THE DAY OF PENTECOST WAS FULLY COME, THEY WERE ALL WITH
ONE ACCORD IN ONE PLACE. AND SUDDENLY THERE CAME A SOUND FROM HEAVEN AS OF A
RUSHING MIGHTY WIND, AND IT FILLED ALL THE HOUSE WHERE THEY WERE SITTING. AND
THERE APPEARED UNTO THEM CLOVEN TONGUES LIKE AS OF FIRE, AND IT SAT UPON EACH
OF THEM. AND THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST, AND BEGAN TO SPEAK WITH
OTHER TONGUES, AS THE SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCE. AND THERE WERE DWELLING AT
JERUSALEM JEWS, DEVOUT MEN, OUT OF EVERY NATION....(When they heard this sound,
a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking
in his own language-NIV.) AND THEY WERE ALL AMAZED AND MARVELED, SAYING ONE
TO ANOTHER, BEHOLD, ARE NOT ALL THESE WHICH SPEAK GALILEANS? AND HOW HEAR WE
EVERY MAN IN OUR OWN TONGUE?...WE DO HEAR THEM SPEAK IN OUR TONGUES THE WONDERFUL
WORKS OF GOD. AND THEY WERE ALL AMAZED, AND WERE IN DOUBT, SAYING ONE TO ANOTHER,
WHAT MEANETH THIS? OTHER MOCKING SAID, THESE MEN ARE FULL OF NEW WINE. BUT PETER,
STANDING UP WITH THE ELEVEN...SAID ...HEARKEN TO MY WORDS: FOR THESE ARE NOT
DRUNKEN, AS YE SUPPOSE...BUT THIS IS THAT WHICH WAS SPOKEN BY THE PROPHET JOEL;
AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE LAST DAYS, SAITH GOD, I WILL POUR OUT OF MY
SPIRIT UPON ALL FLESH: AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND
YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS....The apostles preached unto the people, testifying
of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus...WHEREOF WE ALL ARE WITNESSES.
When the people heard this, they asked...WHAT SHALL WE DO? THEN PETER SAID UNTO
THEM, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU-Acts 2:1-8,11-17,32,37,38.Let us return to some Scriptures
previously covered. What happened on Pentecost? Jesus told His disciples...WAIT
FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER....YE SHALL BE BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY GHOST (thus
the term: "the baptism of the Holy Spirit")....YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER...-Acts
1:4,5,8. AND THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE; IN MY NAME SHALL THEY
CAST OUT DEVILS; THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES...THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON
THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER-Mk 16:17,18. ...YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO
ME...-Acts 1:8. God gave the disciples this power to enable them to do the works
He had prepared for them: to witness, to confirm the Word, to edify the church,
and to glorify Him.

3-WHAT
ARE THE GIFTS?

Therefore, we are not to be ASHAMED OF THE TESTIMONY OF OUR LORD...FOR GOD HATH
NOT GIVEN US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR; BUT OF POWER...-2 Tim 1:8,7. God commanded
His disciples to go and preach, to raise the dead, and heal the sick. Then He
gave His disciples the power to accomplish what He commanded. 1 Cor 12:1,4,8-11-NOW
CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS, BRETHREN, I WOULD NOT HAVE YOU IGNORANT. NOW THERE
ARE DIVERSITIES OF GIFTS, BUT THE SAME SPIRIT.1. FOR TO ONE IS GIVEN BY THE
SPIRIT THEWORD OFWISDOM;2. TO ANOTHER THE WORD OF
KNOWLEDGE BY THE SAME SPIRIT;3. TO ANOTHER FAITH
BY THE SAME SPIRIT;4. TO ANOTHER THE GIFTS
OF HEALING BY THE SAME SPIRIT;5. TO ANOTHER THE WORKING
OF MIRACLES;6. TO ANOTHER PROPHECY;7. TO ANOTHER DISCERNING
OF SPIRITS;8. TO ANOTHER DIVERS KINDS
OF TONGUES;9. TO ANOTHER THE INTERPRETATION
OF TONGUES:NIV-ALL THESE ARE THE WORK
OF ONE AND THE SAME SPIRIT, AND HE GIVES THEM TO EACH ONE, JUST AS HE DETERMINES.

4-HAVE
THE GIFTS PASSED AWAY?

There are those who would mislead you through the traditions of men and misunderstanding
of God’s Word. They may say that the spiritual gifts have passed away and are
not for today; however, this is not true.The Bible shows us these gifts
are from the time of Pentecost until Jesus Christ returns (which happens immediately
after the Tribulation). During the Millennium, the spiritual gifts will pass
away. As it is written, 1 Cor 13:8-CHARITY NEVER FAILETH: BUT WHETHER THERE
BE PROPHECIES, THEY SHALL FAIL; WHETHER THERE BE TONGUES, THEY SHALL
CEASE; WHETHER THERE BE KNOWLEDGE, IT SHALL VANISH AWAY (the spiritual
gifts shall pass away). 1 Cor 13:10 shows this will happen when Jesus Christ
returns. Verse 9 is referring to right now—from the time of Pentecost until
Jesus returns: FOR WE KNOW IN PART, AND WE PROPHESY IN PART (we have gifts in
part). Verse 10-BUT WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT IS COME (when Jesus is come
back), THEN THAT WHICH IS IN PART (the gifts of the Spirit) SHALL BE DONE
AWAY. The disciples did not have complete understanding of all things. For instance,
they did not understand when Jesus would return or how far into the future the
fulfillment of His prophecies would be. Verses 11-12-WHEN I WAS A CHILD (right
now), I SPAKE AS A CHILD, I UNDERSTOOD AS A CHILD, I THOUGHT AS A CHILD: BUT
WHEN I BECAME A MAN (when Jesus returns), I PUT AWAY CHILDISH THINGS (put away
the gifts). FOR NOW (from Pentecost until Jesus returns) WE SEE THROUGH A GLASS,
DARKLY; BUT THEN (when Jesus has returned) FACE TO FACE: NOW (from Pentecost
until Jesus returns) I KNOW IN PART (there are gifts in part); BUT THEN (when
Jesus returns) SHALL I KNOW EVEN AS ALSO I AM KNOWN. God’s Word tells us there
are spiritual gifts now, but there will not be when THAT WHICH IS PERFECT IS
COME (when Jesus is come)-1 Cor 13:8-12.

During
the Millennium, spiritual gifts will no longer exist. Jesus will be on the earth.
The people will see Him face to face.

6-(Scripture)

1 Cor 13:8-CHARITY (or love) NEVER FAILETH: BUT WHETHER THERE BE (gifts of)
PROPHECIES, THEY SHALL FAIL (or pass, or cease, or be done away); WHETHER THERE
BE TONGUES, THEY SHALL CEASE (or be stilled); WHETHER THERE BE KNOWLEDGE, IT
SHALL VANISH (or pass) AWAY.1 Cor 13:9-FOR WE KNOW IN PART
(our knowledge is partial), AND WE PROPHESY IN PART (or partial).1 Cor 13:10-BUT WHEN THAT WHICH
IS PERFECT (or the perfect, or perfection) IS COME, THEN THAT WHICH IS IN PART
(or partial, or imperfect) SHALL BE DONE (or pass) AWAY (or disappears).1 Cor 13:11-WHEN I WAS A CHILD,
I SPAKE (or talked) AS A CHILD, I UNDERSTOOD (or thought) AS A CHILD, I THOUGHT
(or argued, or reasoned) AS A CHILD: BUT WHEN I BECAME A MAN, I PUT AWAY (or
have finished with, or did away with) CHILDISH THINGS.1 Cor 13:12-FOR NOW WE SEE
THROUGH (or in) A GLASS, DARKLY (or dimly, or obscurely, or a poor reflection);
BUT THEN (it will be) FACE TO FACE: NOW I KNOW IN PART (or partly); BUT
THEN SHALL I KNOW (fully) EVEN AS ALSO I AM (fully) KNOWN (or as God has fully
known me-JNT).

7-(Scripture
with commentary)

1 Cor 13:8 tells us about the Millennium. CHARITY (or love) NEVER FAILETH. This
is telling us that love is the most important thing. True love does not fail.
It will never end.BUT WHETHER THERE BE (gifts
of) PROPHECIES, THEY SHALL FAIL (or pass, or cease, or be done away); WHETHER
THERE BE TONGUES, THEY SHALL CEASE (or be stilled); WHETHER THERE BE KNOWLEDGE,
IT SHALL VANISH (or pass) AWAY. This is telling us that there would come a day
in which the spiritual gifts of prophecies, of speaking in tongues, and of knowledge
would cease, or be done away, or vanish. The question then arises, when would
that day be?1 Cor 13:9-FOR WE KNOW IN PART
(our knowledge is partial), AND WE PROPHESY IN PART (or partial). From the time
that this was written to the current time, we "know and prophesy in part
or partially." The word "fragmentary" may be applied.1 Cor 13:10-BUT WHEN THAT WHICH
IS PERFECT (or the perfect, or perfection) IS COME, in other words, when Jesus
is come or when Jesus is returned, immediately after the Tribulation, something
will change. Some consider that the perfection mentioned here denotes "maturity"
and is not the actual coming of Jesus, but the perfection of the church. Depending
on one’s understanding, this could represent the exact same time or another
time.THEN THAT WHICH IS IN PART
(or partial, or imperfect) SHALL BE DONE (or pass) AWAY (or disappears). When
Jesus has come, the spiritual gifts will cease, or be done away with, or vanish.This is further confirmed in
Zech 13:2-5, as it indicates to us that during the Millennium, the Lord will
cause the prophets to pass out of the land. The prophets will be ashamed. They
will not wear a rough garment to deceive. They will say, "I am no prophet."
And if any prophesy, they shall be killed by their mother and father.1 Cor 13:11-WHEN I WAS A CHILD,
which is right now, I SPAKE (or talked) AS A CHILD, I UNDERSTOOD (or thought)
AS A CHILD, I THOUGHT (or argued, or reasoned) AS A CHILD: BUT WHEN I BECAME
A MAN, which is when Jesus shall reign on the earth, I PUT AWAY (or have finished
with, or did away with) CHILDISH THINGS. In other words, the spiritual gifts
are put away, finished, or done away with. Again, some, equate this with the
maturity of the church. Note, the "in part" and the "child"
are symbolically related together.1 Cor 13:12-FOR NOW, this covers
from the time that Jesus went to be with His Father to the time Jesus returns,
WE SEE THROUGH (or in) A GLASS, DARKLY (or dimly, or obscurely, or a poor reflection).
Seeing through a glass darkly or dimly is illustrating the same thing as in
verse 9, as it says, "in part."BUT THEN, this is talking about
the time Jesus returns and reigns on the earth, "then" (it will be)
FACE TO FACE. When Jesus is here, when that which is perfect is come, then "face
to face." The saints and the world will be face to face with Jesus. "Then"
those things which are in part, that is the spiritual gifts, shall be done away
or vanish.NOW, which is talking about
the time when Jesus left to the time He returns. Now there are the spiritual
gifts in part. "NOW" I KNOW IN PART (or partly); BUT THEN, when Jesus
has returned and reigns on the earth, SHALL I KNOW (fully) EVEN AS ALSO I AM
(fully) KNOWN (or as God has fully known me-JNT).1 Cor 13:13-AND NOW (which
covers from the time Jesus departed to the time He returns) ABIDETH FAITH, HOPE,
CHARITY (or love), THESE THREE; BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS CHARITY (or love).The Scriptures clearly show
that during the Millennium, "when Jesus has returned," the spiritual
gifts shall cease. ...PROPHECIES, THEY SHALL FAIL…TONGUES, THEY SHALL CEASE…and
KNOWLEDGE, IT SHALL VANISH AWAY-verse 8. But, right now, these things are in
part. FOR NOW WE SEE THROUGH A GLASS, DARKLY...-verse 12. Glory to God.It may be summarized this way.
Love is eternal. It never fails. The spiritual gifts shall cease. They exist
only for a specific time.

8-(List)

CHARITY (or love)
NEVER FAILETH-1 Cor 13:8

9-FROM
THE TIME JESUS DEPARTED TO THE TIME JESUS RETURNS

FOR WE KNOW IN PART-1
Cor 13:9

NOW I KNOW IN PART-1
Cor 13:12

WE PROPHESY IN PART-1
Cor 13:9

I WAS A CHILD-1 Cor
13:11

I SPAKE (or talked)
AS A CHILD-1 Cor 13:11

I UNDERSTOOD (or
thought) AS A CHILD-1 Cor 13:11

I THOUGHT (or argued,
or reasoned) AS A CHILD-1Cor 13:11

NOW WE SEE THROUGH
(or in) A GLASS, DARKLY-1 Cor 13:12

NOW ABIDETH FAITH-1
Cor 13:13

NOW ABIDETH…HOPE-1
Cor 13:13

NOW ABIDETH…CHARITY
(or love)-1 Cor 13:13

CHARITY (or love)…THE
GREATEST-1 Cor 13:13

10-DURING
THE MILLENNIUM (when that which is perfect is come)

PROPHECIES…SHALL
FAIL-1 Cor 13:8

TONGUES…SHALL CEASE-1
Cor 13:8

KNOWLEDGE…SHALL VANISH-1
Cor 13:8

THEN THAT WHICH IS
IN PART SHALL BE DONE AWAY-1 Cor 13:10

I BECAME A MAN-1
Cor 13:11

I PUT AWAY CHILDISH
THINGS-1 Cor 13:11

THEN (we shall be)
FACE TO FACE-1 Cor 13:12

BUT THEN SHALL I
KNOW (fully) EVEN AS ALSO I AM (fully) KNOWN-1 Cor 13:12

11-PROPHETS
IN THE LATTER DAYS

There is no question that the Bible does talk about prophets and prophecies
in the latter days. This can be seen in Jere 23, but many other places in Jeremiah
also discuss related things.There is no question that the
Bible does talk about YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY in relation
to the past and the latter days, regarding Joel chapter 2 as well as Acts 2:17.There is no question that the
spiritual gifts have manifested themselves in many fruit-bearing, love-filled,
born-again Christians.However, be warned. The Bible
also clearly shows that many prophets and prophecies during the latter days
will be false and not of God. This can be found in Jere 23, Mt 24, Mk 13, and
many other passages.There is also no question that
many born-again people, including Bible teachers and professors, preachers,
and well-known, anointed ministers of God have given false prophecies that are
clearly not in harmony with God’s Word. This has happened in homes, churches,
on the radio, on television, and in the Bible schools, colleges, and universities.
Some of these false prophecies have been printed in newsletters published by
the same person that made them. As a result, some people have been led into
believing things that are not in harmony with God’s Word.In addition, many deceived
people are coming forth and saying, "God told me to tell you this or that."
It was not God at all, but the person’s own emotions that prompted him to speak.Only God’s Word is infallible.
All these things are to be judged by God’s Word.Such are things in this Laodicean
church age. People are deceived and being deceived. It will get worse as birth
pains of a woman.

Let’s
examine the gifts of the Spirit listed in 1 Cor 12:8-10. The first is the
word of wisdom. Webster’s New World Dictionary says of wisdom:
the quality of being wise, good judgment. Solomon asked God, GIVE ME NOW WISDOM
AND KNOWLEDGE-2 Chr 1:10. The words SPIRIT OF WISDOM are mentioned in Ex 28:3.
Regarding Jesus, the people asked, WHENCE HATH THIS MAN THIS WISDOM?-Mt 13:54.
It is written, THE CHILD (Jesus) GREW, AND WAXED STRONG IN SPIRIT, FILLED WITH
WISDOM-Lk 2:40. During the Tribulation, we are told, I (God) WILL GIVE YOU A
MOUTH AND WISDOM, WHICH ALL YOUR ADVERSARIES SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO GAINSAY NOR
RESIST-Lk 21:15. THE FATHER OF GLORY, MAY GIVE UNTO YOU THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM-Eph
1:17. UNDERSTAND ALL MYSTERIES-1 Cor 13:2. IF ANY OF YOU LACK WISDOM, LET HIM
ASK OF GOD-Ja 1:5.

The
second gift mentioned is theword of knowledge.Webster’s defines this as: the fact
or state of knowing, range of information or understanding. In the Greek this
means: be aware of, perceive, understand. Solomon also asked for this gift.
We can pray for God to give us REVELATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM-Eph 1:17.
Paul said it was of benefit to them if I SHALL SPEAK TO YOU EITHER BY REVELATION,
OR BY KNOWLEDGE...-1 Cor 14:6. Hebrews speaks of the KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH-Heb
10:26. Twice, we see the word "revelation" appearing with knowledge.
Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, GO, CALL THY HUSBAND, AND COME HITHER. THE
WOMAN ANSWERED AND SAID, I HAVE NO HUSBAND. JESUS SAID UNTO HER, THOU HAST WELL
SAID, I HAVE NO HUSBAND: FOR THOU HAST HAD FIVE HUSBANDS; AND HE WHOM THOU NOW
HAST IS NOT THY HUSBAND-Jn 4:16-18. As a result, the woman believed that Jesus
was the Messiah.

The
third gift mentioned isfaith by the
same Spirit. Every born-again Christian is given a measure of faith.
Jesus is the "Author" and "Finisher" of our faith-ref Heb
12:2. Where does this faith come from? The Bible tells us, FAITH COMETH BY HEARING,
AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD-Ro 10:17. Yet we see there is a gift of faith.
Something which is over and above the measure of faith we receive in proportion
to the Word. Paul tells us, THOUGH I HAVE THE GIFT OF...ALL FAITH, SO THAT I
COULD REMOVE MOUNTAINS-1 Cor 13:2. Jesus saw a fig tree, but there was nothing
on it. Then Jesus said, LET NO FRUIT GROW ON THEE HENCEFORWARD FOR EVER. AND
PRESENTLY THE FIG TREE WITHERED AWAY. AND WHEN THE DISCIPLES SAW IT, THEY MARVELED,
SAYING, HOW SOON IS THE FIG TREE WITHERED AWAY! JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO
THEM, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, IF YE HAVE FAITH, AND DOUBT NOT, YE SHALL NOT ONLY
DO THIS WHICH IS DONE TO THE FIG TREE, BUT ALSO IF YE SHALL SAY UNTO THIS MOUNTAIN,
BE THOU REMOVED, AND BE THOU CAST INTO THE SEA; IT SHALL BE DONE-Mt 21:19-21.

The
fourth gift is referred to as the gifts
of healing. Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead. He gave His
disciples the same authority. After Jesus rose from the dead, He commanded the
disciples to LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER-Mk 16:18. The disciples
did heal the sick and raise the dead. AND GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE CHURCH...THEN
GIFTS OF HEALINGS-1 Cor 12:28. Jesus does the healing. It is written, I AM THE
LORD THAT HEALETH THEE-Ex 15:26. THE LORD...WHO HEALETH ALL THY DISEASES-Ps
103:2,3. In the Old Testament, it is written, WITH HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED-Isa
53:5. Then, in the New Testament we read, BY WHOSE STRIPES YE WERE HEALED-1
Pe 2:24. HE SENT HIS WORD, AND HEALED THEM-Ps 107:20. Jesus healed ALL THAT
WERE OPPRESSED OF THE DEVIL-Acts 10:38.

Let
us remember, the gifts are for the purpose of witnessing, to confirm the Word.
A CERTAIN MAN LAME FROM HIS MOTHER’S WOMB WAS...LAID DAILY AT THE GATE OF THE
TEMPLE. THEN PETER SAID...IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH RISE UP AND
WALK. AND HE TOOK HIM BY THE RIGHT HAND, AND LIFTED HIM UP: AND IMMEDIATELY
HIS FEET AND ANKLE BONES RECEIVED STRENGTH. AND HE LEAPING UP STOOD...WALKING,
AND LEAPING, AND PRAISING GOD. AND ALL THE PEOPLE SAW…THEY WERE FILLED WITH...AMAZEMENT-Acts
3:2,6-10. Peter then preached unto them Jesus. MANY OF THEM WHICH HEARD THE
WORD BELIEVED; AND THE NUMBER OF THE MEN WAS ABOUT FIVE THOUSAND. BE IT KNOWN...THAT
BY THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH...BY HIM DOTH THIS MAN STAND HERE-Acts
4:4,10. Through the healing power of Jesus and the preaching of the cross about
5000 people believed.

The
Bible tells us, JESUS CHRIST (is) THE SAME YESTERDAY, AND TODAY, AND FOR EVER-Heb
13:8.

12-SPIRITUAL
GIFTS Pt 2

This message is a continuation of part one, The Spiritual Gifts: Are They
For Today?The fifth gift is the
working of miracles. Jesus turned water into wine. As it is written,
THIS BEGINNING OF MIRACLES DID JESUS IN CANA-Jn 2:11. GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE
CHURCH…THIRDLY TEACHERS, AFTER THAT MIRACLES-1 Cor 12:28. GOD WROUGHT SPECIAL
MIRACLES BY THE HANDS OF PAUL-Acts 19:11. Jesus multiplied bread and fish, which
fed a great multitude. Then the Bible tells us, MANY OF THE PEOPLE BELIEVED
ON HIM, AND SAID, WHEN CHRIST COMETH, WILL HE DO MORE MIRACLES THAN THESE WHICH
THIS MAN HATH DONE?-Jn 7:31. The gifts are given by God to win the lost to Jesus.
By miracles the Word is confirmed. As it is written, THE PEOPLE WITH ONE ACCORD
GAVE HEED UNTO THOSE THINGS WHICH PHILIP SPAKE, HEARING AND SEEING THE MIRACLES
WHICH HE DID-Acts 8:6.

The
sixth gift is prophecy.
We are to EAGERLY DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS, ESPECIALLY THE GIFT OF PROPHECY-1
Cor 14:1 NIV. HE THAT PROPHESIETH SPEAKETH UNTO MEN TO EDIFICATION, AND
EXHORTATION, AND COMFORT....HE THAT PROPHESIETH EDIFIETH THE CHURCH.
I WOULD THAT YE ALL SPAKE WITH TONGUES, BUT RATHER THAT YE PROPHESIED: FOR GREATER
IS HE THAT PROPHESIETH THAN HE THAT SPEAKETH WITH TONGUES, EXCEPT HE INTERPRET,
THAT THE CHURCH MAY RECEIVE EDIFYING. NOW, BRETHREN, IF I COME UNTO YOU SPEAKING
WITH TONGUES, WHAT SHALL I PROFIT YOU, EXCEPT I SHALL SPEAK TO YOU…BY PROPHESYING-1
Cor 14:3-6. PROPHESYING SERVETH NOT FOR THEM THAT BELIEVE NOT, BUT FOR THEM
WHICH BELIEVE. LET THE PROPHETS SPEAK TWO OR THREE, AND LET THE OTHER JUDGE.
IF ANYTHING BE REVEALED TO ANOTHER THAT SITTETH BY, LET THE FIRST HOLD HIS PEACE.
FOR YE MAY ALL PROPHESY ONE BY ONE, THAT ALL MAY LEARN, AND ALL MAY BE COMFORTED.
AND THE SPIRITS OF THE PROPHETS ARE SUBJECT TO THE PROPHETS. IF ANY MAN THINK
HIMSELF TO BE A PROPHET, OR SPIRITUAL, LET HIM ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE THINGS THAT
I WRITE UNTO YOU ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. WHEREFORE, BRETHREN, COVET
TO PROPHESY-1 Cor 14:22,29-32,37,39. AND HE GAVE SOME, APOSTLES; AND SOME, PROPHETS…FOR
THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS, FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY, FOR THE EDIFYING
OF THE BODY OF CHRIST-Eph 4:11,12. AND GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE CHURCH…SECONDARILY
PROPHETS-1 Cor 12:28.Jesus prophesied during His
ministry. In Mt 24, Mk 13, and Lk 21, Jesus gave many signs of the latter days.
Jesus foretold His death and resurrection to His disciples. Jesus showed that
He knew what would happen no matter what He did. ART THOU THE CHRIST? TELL US.
AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, IF I TELL YOU, YE WILL NOT BELIEVE: AND IF I ALSO ASK
YOU, YE WILL NOT ANSWER ME, NOR LET ME GO-Lk 22:67,68. AND WHEN PAUL HAD LAID
HIS HANDS UPON THEM, THE HOLY GHOST CAME ON THEM; AND THEY...PROPHESIED-Acts
19:6. HAVING THEN GIFTS DIFFERING ACCORDING TO THE GRACE THAT IS GIVEN TO US,
WHETHER PROPHECY, LET US PROPHESY ACCORDING TO THE PROPORTION OF FAITH-Ro 12:6.

The
seventh gift is discerning of spirits
(the ability to distinguish between spirits-1 Cor 12:10 NIV). Jesus often cast
out demons. He would talk to the spirits and command them. The Bible mentions
different spirits, such as: A FAMILIAR SPIRIT-Lev 20:27; A LYING SPIRIT-1 Ki
22:22; A PERVERSE (dizziness) SPIRIT-Isa 19:14; THE SPIRIT OF DEEP SLEEP-Isa
29:10; THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT-Mt 12:43; A DUMB SPIRIT-Mk 9:17; FOUL SPIRIT (a dumb
and deaf spirit)-Mk 9:25; A SPIRIT OF INFIRMITY (crippled by a spirit)-Lk 13:11;
A SPIRIT OF DIVINATION (a spirit by which she predicted the future)-Acts 16:16;
THE EVIL SPIRIT ANSWERED-Acts 19:15; JESUS REBUKED THE DEVIL-Mt 17:18; HOWBEIT
THIS KIND GOETH NOT OUT BUT BY PRAYER AND FASTING-Mt 17:21.

Before
Jesus ascended into heaven, He said, THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE;
IN MY NAME SHALL THEY CAST OUT DEVILS-Mk 16:17. Jesus gave the disciples power
to cast out devils. It is written, LORD, EVEN THE DEVILS ARE SUBJECT UNTO US
THROUGH THY NAME-Lk 10:17. PAUL, BEING GRIEVED, TURNED AND SAID TO THE SPIRIT,
I COMMAND THEE IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST TO COME OUT OF HER. AND HE CAME OUT
THE SAME HOUR-Acts 16:18.

The
Bible tells us, WE WRESTLE…AGAINST... PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST
THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH
PLACES-Eph 6:12. God’s Word also states that THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE
NOT CARNAL, BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD TO THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONGHOLDS; CASTING
DOWN IMAGINATIONS, AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE
OF GOD-2 Cor 10:4,5. Jesus healed ALL THAT WERE OPPRESSED OF THE DEVIL-Acts
10:38. For we are COMPLETE IN HIM, WHICH IS THE HEAD OF ALL PRINCIPALITY AND
POWER-Col 2:10.

The
eighth gift is divers kinds of tongues
(the ability to speak in different kinds of tongues-1 Cor 12:10 NIV). Jesus
spoke these words before He ascended to His Father. THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW
THEM THAT BELIEVE…THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES-Mk 16:17.The day of Pentecost came.
The disciples (about 120) were in the upper room. Then SUDDENLY THERE CAME A
SOUND FROM HEAVEN AS OF A RUSHING MIGHTY WIND...AND THERE APPEARED UNTO THEM
CLOVEN TONGUES LIKE AS OF FIRE, AND IT SAT UPON EACH OF THEM. AND THEY WERE
ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST, AND BEGAN TO SPEAK WITH OTHER TONGUES, AS THE
SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCE.The multitude said one to another,
HOW HEAR WE EVERY MAN IN OUR OWN TONGUE, WHEREIN WE WERE BORN?-Acts 2:2-4,8.
The Bible says that GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE CHURCH…DIVERSITIES (different kinds)
OF TONGUES. HAVE ALL THE GIFTS OF…TONGUES?-1 Cor 12:28,30. THOUGH I SPEAK WITH
THE TONGUES OF MEN AND OF ANGELS, AND HAVE NOT CHARITY (love), I AM BECOME AS
SOUNDING BRASS-1 Cor 13:1. The disciples were able to speak in the various languages
of the crowd; thousands were baptized that day.A person may pray to God in
tongues. In some cases, a message may be given by the Holy Spirit to the church
in an unknown tongue. Afterward, it is interpreted as God’s Spirit speaks through
an interpreter. It is written, HE THAT SPEAKETH IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE SPEAKETH
NOT UNTO MEN, BUT UNTO GOD: FOR NO MAN UNDERSTANDETH HIM; HOWBEIT IN THE SPIRIT
HE SPEAKETH MYSTERIES. BUT HE THAT PROPHESIETH SPEAKETH UNTO MEN TO EDIFICATION,
AND EXHORTATION, AND COMFORT-1 Cor 14:2,3. For instance, one may speak in an
unknown tongue followed by an interpretation. Note the three parts of this verse:1) speaketh to edification2) speaketh to exhortation3) speaketh to comfortThe chapter continues, HE THAT
SPEAKETH IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE EDIFIETH HIMSELF; BUT HE THAT PROPHESIETH EDIFIETH
THE CHURCH. I WOULD THAT YE ALL SPAKE WITH TONGUES, BUT RATHER THAT YE PROPHESIED:
FOR GREATER IS HE THAT PROPHESIETH THAN HE THAT SPEAKETH WITH TONGUES, EXCEPT
HE INTERPRET, THAT THE CHURCH MAY RECEIVE EDIFYING.NOW, BRETHREN, IF I COME UNTO
YOU SPEAKING WITH TONGUES, WHAT SHALL I PROFIT YOU, EXCEPT
I SHALL SPEAK TO YOU EITHER BY REVELATION, OR BY KNOWLEDGE,
OR BY PROPHESYING, OR BY DOCTRINE? AND EVEN THINGS
WITHOUT LIFE GIVING SOUND, WHETHER PIPE OR HARP, EXCEPT THEY GIVE A DISTINCTION
IN THE SOUNDS, HOW SHALL IT BE KNOWN WHAT IS PIPED OR HARPED? FOR IF THE TRUMPET
GIVE AN UNCERTAIN SOUND (does not sound a clear call), WHO SHALL PREPARE HIMSELF
TO THE BATTLE? THEREFORE IF I KNOW NOT THE MEANING OF THE VOICE, I SHALL BE
UNTO HIM THAT SPEAKETH A BARBARIAN (foreigner), AND HE THAT SPEAKETH SHALL BE
A BARBARIAN (foreigner) UNTO ME. EVEN SO YE, FORASMUCH AS YE ARE ZEALOUS OF
SPIRITUAL GIFTS, SEEK THAT YE MAY EXCEL TO THE EDIFYING OF THE CHURCH (try to
excel in the gifts that build up the church). WHEREFORE LET HIM THAT SPEAKETH
IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE PRAY THAT HE MAY INTERPRET. FOR IF I PRAY IN AN UNKNOWN
TONGUE, MY SPIRIT PRAYETH, BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS UNFRUITFUL (when praying
in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful). WHAT IS IT
THEN? I WILL PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT, AND I WILL PRAY WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO…ELSE
WHEN THOU SHALT BLESS WITH THE SPIRIT (if you are praising God with your spirit),
HOW SHALL HE THAT OCCUPIETH THE ROOM OF THE UNLEARNED SAY AMEN AT THY GIVING
OF THANKS, SEEING HE UNDERSTANDETH NOT WHAT THOU SAYEST? FOR THOU VERILY GIVEST
THANKS WELL, BUT THE OTHER IS NOT EDIFIED.I THANK MY GOD, I SPEAK WITH
TONGUES MORE THAN YE ALL: YET IN THE CHURCH I HAD RATHER SPEAK FIVE WORDS WITH
MY UNDERSTANDING, THAT BY MY VOICE I MIGHT TEACH OTHERS ALSO, THAN TEN THOUSAND
WORDS IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE.BRETHREN, BE NOT CHILDREN IN
UNDERSTANDING: HOWBEIT IN MALICE BE YE CHILDREN, BUT IN UNDERSTANDING BE MEN.
IN THE LAW IT IS WRITTEN, WITH MEN OF OTHER TONGUES AND OTHER LIPS WILL I SPEAK
UNTO THIS PEOPLE; AND YET FOR ALL THAT WILL THEY NOT HEAR ME, SAITH THE LORD.
WHEREFORE TONGUES ARE FOR A SIGN, NOT TO THEM THAT BELIEVE, BUT TO THEM THAT
BELIEVE NOT: BUT PROPHESYING…FOR THEM WHICH BELIEVE. IF THEREFORE THE WHOLE
CHURCH BE COME TOGETHER INTO ONE PLACE, AND ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES, AND THERE
COME IN THOSE THAT ARE UNLEARNED (do not understand), OR UNBELIEVERS, WILL THEY
NOT SAY THAT YE ARE MAD? (BUT IF AN UNBELIEVER OR SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT UNDERSTAND
COMES IN WHILE EVERYBODY IS PROPHESYING, HE WILL BE CONVINCED BY ALL THAT HE
IS A SINNER AND WILL BE JUDGED BY ALL-NIV): AND THUS ARE THE SECRETS OF HIS
HEART MADE MANIFEST (laid bare); AND SO FALLING DOWN ON HIS FACE HE WILL WORSHIP
GOD, AND REPORT THAT GOD IS IN YOU OF A TRUTH...LET ALL THINGS BE DONE UNTO
EDIFYING.IF ANY MAN SPEAK IN AN UNKNOWN
TONGUE, LET IT BE BY TWO, OR AT THE MOST BY THREE, AND THAT BY COURSE; AND LET
ONE INTERPRET. BUT IF THERE BE NO INTERPRETER, LET HIM KEEP SILENCE IN THE CHURCH;
AND LET HIM SPEAK TO HIMSELF, AND TO GOD. WHEREFORE, BRETHREN…FORBID NOT TO
SPEAK WITH TONGUES. LET ALL THINGS BE DONE DECENTLY AND IN ORDER-1 Cor 14:4-8,11-28,39,40.

The
ninth gift isthe interpretation
of tongues. It is written,
I WOULD THAT YE ALL SPAKE WITH TONGUES, BUT RATHER THAT YE PROPHESIED… EXCEPT
HE INTERPRET, THAT THE CHURCH MAY RECEIVE EDIFYING-1 Cor 14:5. WHEREFORE LET
HIM THAT SPEAKETH IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE PRAY THAT HE MAY INTERPRET. IF ANY MAN
SPEAK IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE…LET ONE INTERPRET. BUT IF THERE BE NO INTERPRETER,
LET HIM KEEP SILENCE IN THE CHURCH-1 Cor 14:13,27,28.

13-HOW
TO RECEIVE THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

God gives us gifts to do His work. Paul tells us, MY SPEECH AND MY PREACHING
WAS NOT WITH ENTICING WORDS OF MAN’S WISDOM, BUT IN DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT
AND OF POWER-1 Cor 2:4. THEY…PREACHED EVERY WHERE, THE LORD WORKING WITH THEM,
AND CONFIRMING THE WORD WITH SIGNS FOLLOWING-Mk 16:20. FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD
IS NOT IN WORD, BUT IN POWER-1 Cor 4:20. Paul prayed for the brethren, that
God would FULFILL...(in them) THE WORK OF FAITH WITH POWER-2 Thes 1:11.Some receive the baptism of
the Holy Spirit by doing nothing. Such was the case at Pentecost and also in
the following verses. It is written, WHILE PETER YET SPAKE THESE WORDS, THE
HOLY GHOST FELL ON ALL THEM WHICH HEARD THE WORD. FOR THEY HEARD THEM SPEAK
WITH TONGUES, AND MAGNIFY GOD. THEN ANSWERED PETER, CAN ANY MAN FORBID WATER
THAT THESE SHOULD NOT BE BAPTIZED, WHICH HAVE RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST AS WELL
AS WE? AND HE COMMANDED THEM TO BE BAPTIZED (note, in verse 47, Peter specifies
baptism with water)-Acts 10:44,46-48.Some pray to God and receive
the baptism of the Holy Ghost. HOW MUCH MORE SHALL YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER GIVE
THE HOLY SPIRIT TO THEM THAT ASK HIM?-Lk 11:13.Others may receive the baptism
of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. AND WHEN PAUL HAD LAID HIS HANDS
UPON THEM, THE HOLY GHOST CAME ON THEM; AND THEY SPAKE WITH TONGUES, AND PROPHESIED-Acts
19:6.The Bible warns us, LAY HANDS
SUDDENLY ON NO MAN (do not be hasty in the laying on of hands), NEITHER BE PARTAKER
OF OTHER MEN’S SINS: KEEP THYSELF PURE-1 Tim 5:22.Do you thirst for the baptism
of the Holy Ghost for the purposes God gives us in His Word? IF ANY MAN THIRST,
LET HIM COME UNTO ME, AND DRINK. HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME, AS THE SCRIPTURE HATH
SAID, OUT OF HIS BELLY SHALL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER-Jn 7:37,38. BY ONE
SPIRIT ARE WE ALL BAPTIZED INTO ONE BODY…AND HAVE BEEN ALL MADE TO DRINK INTO
ONE SPIRIT. HAVE ALL THE GIFTS OF HEALING? DO ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES? DO ALL
INTERPRET? BUT COVET EARNESTLY THE BEST GIFTS-1 Cor 12:13,30,31.

14-DO
NOT NEGLECT THE GIFT

Once
you have received your gift from God, NEGLECT NOT THE GIFT THAT IS IN THEE,
WHICH WAS GIVEN THEE BY PROPHECY, WITH THE LAYING ON OF THE HANDS OF THE PRESBYTERY-1
Tim 4:14. STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD, WHICH IS IN THEE...FOR GOD HATH NOT GIVEN
US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR; BUT OF POWER, AND OF LOVE, AND OF A SOUND MIND-2 Tim
1:6,7.

In
this last generation, there is often a lack of emphasis on the reason for spiritual
gifts. They are to confirm the Word. God empowers His people with heavenly gifts
and does miracles for the purpose of witnessing and winning the lost to Jesus.
Also to edify the church and as a witness to the unbelievers. Many in these
last days do not understand this. The church often neglects to preach that the
gifts are for God’s purpose. They are to be used to glorify God.

Virtually
any believer can receive spiritual gifts, yet many are hindered from receiving
them because they have been taught (by the traditions of men) that the gifts
are not for today. But Jesus says, YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL
MAKE YOU FREE-Jn 8:32. Earlier in this message we covered 1 Cor 13:8-12, which
explained the gifts are for today. Nevertheless, they will pass away during
the 1000 year reign of Christ.

15-BEWARE
OF THOSE WHO SEEM TO HAVE THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS, BUT ARE NOT TRULY BORN-AGAIN:TONGUES
ARE NOT EVIDENCE OF SALVATION

Beware
of those who seem to have spiritual gifts, but their life does not reflect the
fruits of a truly born-again person.Beware of those who have not
turned from all willful sin, who are not abiding in obedience to the Gospel.Beware of those who are going
to churches that are not proclaiming the finished work of Jesus Christ.Beware of those who attend
churches that do not believe Jesus Christ will return to this earth and rule
for 1000 years.Beware of those who do not
believe in water baptism by immersion after believing in Jesus and repenting-ref
Acts 2:38; Lk 7:29,30. We must repent of all sin if we are to be saved.Beware of the doctrine that
does not believe the Rapture comes prior to the Tribulation.The Bible tells us, THOUGH
I SPEAK WITH THE TONGUES OF MEN AND OF ANGELS…AND THOUGH I HAVE THE GIFT OF
PROPHECY, AND UNDERSTAND ALL MYSTERIES, AND ALL KNOWLEDGE; AND THOUGH I HAVE
ALL FAITH, SO THAT I COULD REMOVE MOUNTAINS, AND HAVE NOT CHARITY (which is
love), I AM NOTHING-1 Cor 13:1,2. Note the words, SPEAK WITH TONGUES…HAVE NOT
LOVE. SPEAK WITH TONGUES…I AM NOTHING.This verse shows us that a
person may speak with tongues, yet if he does not have love, he is nothing.
In other words, he is not saved even though he speaks with tongues. Tongues
are not a sign of salvation as some incorrectly teach by misusing Scripture.
Some even go so far as to say, if a person does not speak in tongues, he cannot
be saved. God forbid. In making such a statement, he is saying that some of
the greatest ministers and evangelists of this century are not saved. He is
saying that some of the finest scholars of Bible prophecy are not saved. It
is written, WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM-Mt 7:20. A
person’s fruits are the evidence of his salvation, not speaking in tongues.
Many speak in tongues, but their lack of love, bad fruits, hardness to correction
from God’s Word, and other sins testify they are not walking with God. Often
such people also give false prophecies that sound nice, but are in direct contradiction
to God’s Word. They mislead those that follow them; they lead these people down
the road to hell. They deceive those that do not have a good understanding of
the Scriptures. They expound false doctrines and false teachings. Beware.